Refuse sack holder



May 13, 1969 G. K. E. KLEr-:Br-:RG

REFUSE SACK HLD'ER.

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Gwyn/5@ 5 fag-53596 nited States Patent 3,443,745 REFUSE SACK HOLDER Gunther K. E. Kleeberg, Lexington, Mass., assignor to St. Regis Paper Company, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Oct. 9, 1967, Ser. No. 673,800 Int. Cl. B65b 67/12 U.S. Cl. 232-43.2 15 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A waste container including a cabinet having an upright frame for receiving the mouth of a bag, clamping means mounted on said frame for engaging the laps of said bag to hold said bag upright. A cover is removably mounted on said cabinet without the need of tools.

This invention relates to Waste containers and more particularly to waste containers containing disposable bags.

Waste containers constructed in accordance with the concept of this invention are particularly adapted, among other possible uses, for use in and around the home, factory, restaurants and the like.

Heretofore, waste `containers having disposable liners or bags have not been entirely satisfactory for a number of different reasons. They have been complicated to operate, expensive t-o manufacture, aesthetically unattractive and prone to have a short useful service life. Further, they have not been of fireproof construction. An object of my invention is to overcome the problems encountered with the prior art devices.

In one embodiment of my invention I provide a new and improved waste container, including a cabinet for receiving a bag which has a back flap, a front flap and two side flaps. The cabinet includes an upright frame for receiving the mouth of the bag in circumscribing relation. A first clamping bar is mounted on the frame for pivotal movement parallel to one side of the frame, and a second clamping bar is mounted on the frame for pivotal movement parallel to the opposite side of the frame. Each of the clamping bars are engageable with the side flaps of the bag, respectively, when in their clamping positions, and each of the clamping bars are provided With handle portions which engage the front ap when they are in their clamping positions.

Further, according to one aspect of my invention, the Waste container includes an openable top disposed adjacent the open mouth of the lbag for conveniently receiving waste material or the like. Means are provided for restricting the opening of the top so that it Will always return to -a closed position, thereby sealing the cabinet and preventing external air from entering to support a tire starting inside the cabinet or to prevent an external re from entering the cabinet. Also, the cabinet is -provided with a front hinged panel for convenience in removing a filled bag without lifting and in replacing the bag. The front panel is provided with la gasket to seal the opening against entering air to prevent supporting an internal lire. Also, a positive mechanical latch is provided to keep the panel closed.

As another aspect of my invention, I provide a spring clamp mounted on the rear edge of the frame for engaging the back flap of the bag. This spring clamp is provided with an angularly disposed detent in the center near the top thereof which allows the bag black flap to be inserted with moderate pressure under the clamp, but which is arranged to bite into the paper to prevent the paper from slipping out due to the pull of heavy refuse in the bag.

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According to still another asepct of my invention, I provide clamping bars which have generally iU-shaped clamping portions wherein the bottoms thereof zare elongated and are adapted to engage and clamp the side flaps of the bag against the frame when in their operative positions, respectively. It will be appreciated that these clamping bars are supported in elongated bearing slots to provide a camming or over-center action to lock them in place when clamped and to insure against accidental release. Further, the clamping Ibars are provided with a resilient center section to assure the same positive clamping force regardless of paper thickness variations such as in light and heavy duty bags or the swelling of paper due to moisture, and to provide easy release of the bag flaps if the paper swells when in clamped position.

Still another aspect of my invention resides in Ithe provision of new and improved clamping bars having handle portions extending substantially perpendicular to their clamping portions, respectively. The handle portions are provided with hook-like end engaging means which resiliently clamp the front ap of said bag'to the frame when they are in their bag clamping positions, respectively.

Further, according to my invention, the cabinet cover attaching and securing means is novel and practical because this can be done Without .the need for tools. When the cover and base cabinet have been assembled, there is no need to remove the cover in order to change the bags as this is done by simply tilting the cover back to gain access to the clamping means for the bag. However, when required, the cover may -be removed easily for cleaning, ythis being particularly desirable as it is the only portion of the assembly subject to soiling. According to my concept the attaching and securing means comprises special self-locking detachable hinges at the rear of the container and spring members on the inside under the front of the cover, thereby firmly holding the cover in place during normal use, but providing f-or easy removal Without the use of tools. Further, in case of dam-age to the cover during operation, it can be yreadily replaced in the field because the tops are interchangeable.

As an important feature 0f my invention, I provide a new and improved waste container which is of fireproof construction thereby making it possible to place it in locations where tire codes exclude refuse sack holders of prior art construction. That is, I provide a container for refuse sacks of iireproof construction against tires originating within the refuse inside the bag and the cabinet as the contents are self-extinguishing causing no fire threat in its location, and as another feature the container is sealed so that there is no additional lire threat from a re originating Without the container but in a region adjacent thereto.

There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which this disclosure is based may readily -be utilized as the basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of the invention. It is important therefore that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

A specific embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and is shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a waste container constructed according to the concept of my invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view, partly schematic showing the insertion of a new bag or liner into the top portion of the Waste container;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the top portion of the waste container after the bag is in position, but prior to clamping same;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective View of a top portion of a container similar to FIG. 3, but showing ing one side Hap of the bag being cuffed over the frame;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a top portion of a waste container, similar to FIGS. 3 and 4, and showing the clamping bars partially rotated so that the side flaps of the bag are locked between the clamping bars and the side of the frame;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a top portion of a waste container similar to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, but showing the hook-like end engaging means of the handle portions resiliently clamping the front ap of the bag against the front of the frame, respectively.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3, and showing details of the spring clamp mounted on the rear edge of the frame;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are a series of three enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional views showing the toggle or over-center action of the clamping bars;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the cabinet and cover attaching and securing means;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation showing the cabinet and cover attaching and securing means when the cover is in its opening position;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation similar to FIG. 11, but showing the cover in its closed position;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective View showing the cabinet, cover and top;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective View of the catch means on the front of the cover for receiving the top;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective View showing the hinge connection for the top and the restricting means for limiting the opening thereof;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged side elevation showing the hinge connection `for the top and the restricting means for limiting the opening thereof;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged side elevation, partially in section showing the assembled relationship of the cabinet, cover and top;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged side elevation, partially in section showing the positive mechanical latch for closing the front panel;

FIG. 19 is a horizontal sectional view of the mechanical latch of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the latch of FIGS. 18 and 19.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the Waste container includes a cabinet indicated generally at 10, FIG. 1, having side walls 12 and a front panel 14 hinged, as at 16, for purposes of assisting in the removal of filled liners or bags. The waste container 10 further comprises a cover 18 removably mounted on the top of the cabinet 10. The cover 18 is provided with a top 20 which is hingedly mounted on the cover as at 22 for eX- posing, when desired, the open top of a liner or bag within the waste container.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the cover 18 has been removed revealing the upright frame 24 of the cabinet 10. The frame is adapted to receive a removable bag or liner 26 therethrough. A irst clamping bar 28 is mounted on the frame 24 as at 30 for pivotal movement parallel to one side of the trarne, and a second clamping bar 32 is mounted on the frame 24 as at 34, FIG. 3, for pivotal movement parallel to a second opposite side of the frame.

Referring in particular to FlIG. 3, the liner or bag 26 is positionable in the cabinet 10 with the mouth of the bag exposed in circumscribing relation with respect to the frame 24. The bag includes a front fla-p 36, a back flap 38, a irst side ap 40 and a second side ap 42. A spring clamp 44 is mounted on the frame 24 as by means of screws 46 provided for the purpose. When positioning the bag 26 in its operative position, the back ap 38 is culfed over the frame 24 and resiliently secured in position by the spring clamp 44, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 7. The spring clamp 44 is provided with a detent 45 which is angularly disposed in order to allow the back ap 3S to readily slip under but to then grip the Hap to prevent it from slipping out due to the pull of heavy refuse in the bag. It will be appreciated that due to the resiliency of the spring clamp 44 paper of various thicknesses can be accommodated.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the side flap 40 of the bag 26 is being cruffed over the frame 24 by an operators hand 48 so that the clamping bar 28 will engage same when in its closed clamping position. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the clamping bar 28 is provided with generally U-sha-ped clamping portion 50 wherein the bottom thereof is elongated and bowed, and is adapted to clamp the side ap 40 of the bag 26 securely against the frame 24. It will be appreciated that the bow in this clamping bar serves to provide positive clamping force and locking action. The resiliency of the bar provides the same clamping force regardless of the paper thickness variation, and hence provides equal resistance against slipping under force. Thus, thin or thick paper may be changed or relased with equal ease. iFIG. 4 shows the clamping portion 50 in its released position and FIG. 5 in its intermediate position, rwhereas IFIG. 6 shows this portion in its clamping position. As best seen in FIG. 8, the clamping bar 28 is mounted in a short slot 29 which serves as an elongated tfulcrum support. At the start of the clamping action the clamping bar 28 is at the right-hand end of the slot 29 and the clamping portion 50 is substantially vertical as viewed in FIG. 8B. When the clamp is closed and locked the elements are in their positions as seen in FIG. 8A. When the clamping bar is opened and released the clamping bar 28 moves from the right-hand end to the left-hand end of the slot 29 as viewed in FIG. 8C. That is, the clamping bars are supported in slots to provide over-center or camming action to lock them in place when clamped and to insure against accidental release. lIt is noted particularly that frame 24 is provided with a ange-like lip portion 52 around which the side ap 40 of the bag is directed for purposes of securely holding the bag in its clamped position. The clamping bar 32 is also provided with a U-shaped clamping portion 5'1 (FIG. 3) for engaging the side aip 42 in the same manner as clamping bar 28 engages the side ap 40.

As seen in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 9, the clamping bars 28 and 32 are provided with handle portions 54 and 56, respectively. The handle portions extend substantially perpendicular to the clamping portions and are provided with hook-like end engaging means 58 and 60, which resiliently clamp the front flap 36 of the bag 26 t0 the frame 24 w'hen in their clamping positions, respectively. That is, the front ap 36 of the bag is cutfed over the frame 24 and the hook-like end engaging means 58 and 60 are adapted to move from their released positions, as shown in FIG. 4, to their intermediate positions, as shown in FIG. 5, to their clamping positions as shown in FIG. 6, respectively, thereby to securely clamp the front aps against the frame 24.

The means for removably mounting the covers 18 on the top of the cabinet 10 (FIGS. 10-12) includes a stop pin 62 and a hinge pin 64 mounted in each of the back corners of the cover 18. A hinge -plate 66 is mounted in each of the corresponding back cornfers of the cabinet 10. Each of the hinge plates has a horizontally extending slot 68 (FIG. l0). This slot has an open top and side for receiving the stop pin 62. Further, each of the hinge plates has a vertically extending slot 70 (FIGS. l0-l2). This slot has an open top and sides for receiving the hinge pin 64. In order to attach the cover 18 to the cabinet 10, the cover is moved so that the stop pin 62 `follows the broken line 72 and the hinge pin 64 follows the broken line 74 (FIG. 10), thereby moving the cover 18 from its position as seen in FIG. 10 to its position as seen in FIG. 11. The cover, as seen in FIG. 11, is in its attached, but open position, and the stop pin 62 is in engagement with the back surface 76 defining the end of the horizontally extending slot, 68, thereby limiting the opening movement of the cover. The cover, as seen in FIG. l2, is in its closed position.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the cover 18 carries resilient members 78 which are xedly attached to the front corners of the cover as at 80. Each of the resilient members has a forwardly ared flange 82 and a sidewardly flared ange 84 for engaging the respective corners 86 of the cabinet 18. Hence, it will be appreciated that the cover 18 may be attached and removed from the cabinet 10 without the use of tools. Further, the cover may be tilted or pivoted open to remove or release a bag within the cabinet without the necessity of complete removal. Also, the cover may be readily removed after a period in operation for cleaning purposes. Still further, it will be appreciated that when the cover is in its closed position it fits securely over the cabinet, thereby rendering the structure reproof.

As Abest seen in FIGS. 13-17, the top 20 is hingedly mounted on the cover 18 as at 88. Means are provided for limiting the opening of the top including a link 90` having the upper end pivotally attached to the top as at 92 and having the bottom thereof slidably mounted in a substantially horizontal slot 94 in the cover 18. The end of the link 90 is provided with a flange-like portion 96 which engages the end 98 of the slot 94 to restrict the opening movement of the top 20, whereby the weight of the top will always bias it towards its closed position sealing the cabinet and preventing external air from entering to support a fire starting inside the cabinet.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a catch 100 is fixedly mounted as at 102 in each of the front corners of the cover 18 only one being shown) for receiving and securing the edge 104 of the top 20 in its closed position.

To further assist in rendering my construction fireproof, I provide a gasket 106 (FIGS. 19 and 20) interposed between the cabinet and the front panel 14, and extending around the entire circumference (not shown) of the front panel surface in order to seal the cabinet. Also, positive mechanical latch means serve to retain the panel 14 tightly closed. This latch means comprises a latch receiving member 108 on the cabinet 10, a latch 110 pivotally mounted as at 112 with respect to the front panel 14, a link 114 fixedly mounted on a face plate 116 as at 118 and pivotally mounted on the latch as at 120. The latch means further comprises a spring stop 122 xedly mounted with respect to the 4front panel 14 and a pair of compression springs 124 interposed between the stop 122 and the face plate 116 for biasing the latch 110 towards the latch receiving member 108. Thus, the front panel is closed and locked against the cabinet in an airtight manner.

In order to remove a filled liner or bag 24, the cover 18, FIG. 1, is removed from the cabinet 10. Then the handle portions 54 and 56 of the clamping bars 28 and 32 are rotated to their vertical positions, as seen in FIG. 4, thereby releasing the clamping portions 50 and 51, respectively. The bag is raised slightly to completely free the flaps and the front hinged panel 14 is opened for removal of the filled bag therethrough. The top of the bag may be rolled over several times in order to be sure that that bag remains closed. The Waste container is th'en ready to receive a new liner or bag.

There has thus been described a new and improved waste container which is aesthetically attractive, which is fireproof, which is of simple and practical construction, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and which is otherwise well-suited for its intended purposes.

Although a certain particular embodiment of the invention is herein disclosed for purposes of explanation, various modifications thereof, after study of this specification, will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Reference should accordingly be had to the appended claims in determining the scope of the invention.

What is claimed and desired to be secured lby Letters Patent is:

1. A waste container including a cabinet for receiving a bag, said bag having a back fiap, a front flap, and two side flaps, said cabinet including an upright frame for receiving the mouth of a bag in circumscribing relation, a first clamping bar mounted on said frame for pivotal movement about `an axis parallel to one side of said frame, a second clamping bar mounted on said frame for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to a second opposite side of said frame, each of said clamping bars being engageable with said side flaps respectively when in their clamping positions, each of said clamping bars having handle portions, and each of said handle portions being engageable with said front flap when in their clamping positions.

2. A Waste container according to claim 1 wherein said waste container further comprises a cover removably and hingedly mounted on the top of the cabinet and wherein said cover has a top hingedly mounted thereon, and wherein said cabinet further comprises a hingedly mount-ed front panel for assisting in the removal of filled bags from said waste container.

3. A Waste container according to claim 1 further comprising a cover for said cabinet, means removably mounting said cover on said cabinet including a pair of self-locking detachable hinges towards the back of said container.

4. A waste container according to claim 1 further comprising a cover on the top of the cabinet and wherein said cover has a top hingedly mounted thereon, restricting means for limiting the opening of said top whereby said top is biased towards its closed position for sealing said container to prevent fire.

5. A waste container according to claim 4 wherein said restricting means for limiting the opening of said top comprises a link having one end pivotally attached to said top and having the other end slidably mounted in a substantially horizontal slot in said cover, said slot being of a restricted length to limit the sliding movement of said link to restrict the opening position of said top, whereby the weight of said top will always bias it towards its closed position.

6. A waste container according to claim 1 further comprising a hingedly mounted front panel, a gasket mounted around the opening of said front panel, and positive mechanical latch means for retaining the panel closed.

7. A waste container according to claim 6 wherein said positive mechanical latch means comprises a latch receiving member, a Ipivotally mounted latch, a latch face plate, a link tixedly mounted on said face plate and pivotally mounted on said latch, a spring stop, a spring interposed between said stop and said -face plate for biasing said latch towards said latch receiving member.

8. A holder for a bag having a mouth with a back flap, a front flap and two side flaps, said holder comprising an upright frame for receiving the mouth of said bag in circumscribing relationship with respect thereto, a first clamping bar mounted on said frame for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to one side of said frame, a second clamping bar mounted on said frame for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to a second opposite 7 side of said frame, each of said clamping bars being engageable with said side lia-ps respectively when in their clamping positions, each of said clamping bars having handle portions, and said handle portions being engageable with said front flap when in their clamping positions.

9. A holder for a bag according to claim 8 wherein said handle portions extend substantially perpendicular to their clamping portions respectively and are provided with hook-like end enga-ging means which resiliently clamp the front ap of said bag to the `frame when in their clamping positions, respectively.

10. A holder for a bag according to claim 8 wherein said frame has flange-like lip portions adjacent said clamping portions and around which said side flaps areA directed when in their clamping positions, respectively.

11. A holder for a bag according to `claim 8 which further comprises a spring clamp mounted on the rear edge of said frame for engaging the back ap of said bag.

12. A holder for a bag according to claim 8 wherein said clamping bars have elongated U-shaped clamping portions which serve to clamp the side aps of said bag to said frame when in their clamping positions, respectively.

13. A holder for a bag according to claim 11 wherein said spring clamp mounted on the rear edge of said frame further comprises an angularly disposed detent for allowing said back flap to be inserted but for gripping said back ap to prevent slipping thereof. Y

14. A holder for a bag according to claim 12 wherein said clamping bars are mounted in short horizontal slots in said frame to provide over-center camming action of said U-shaped clamping portions, and wherein said U- shaped clamping portions are resilient, thereby providing self-locking clamping means.

15. A waste container including a cabinet for receiving a bag, said bag having a back ap, a front ap and two side flaps, said cabinet including an upright frame for receiving the mouth of a bag in circumscribing relation, a cover removably and hingedly mounted on the top of the cabinet and said cover having a top hingedly mounted thereon, a hingedly mounted front panel, a spring clamp mounted on the rear edge of said frame for engaging the back ap of said bag, a tirst clamping bar mounted on said frame for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to one side of said frame, a second clamping bar mounted on said frame for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to a second oppposite side of said frame, said clamping bars having elongated U-shaped clamping Iportions which serve to clamp the side aps of said bag to said frame when in their clamping positions respectively, ange-like lip portions disposed adjacent said clamping portions around which said side flaps are directed Iwhen in their clamping positions respectively, each of `said clamping bars having portions extending perpendicular to their clamping portions and terminating in hook-like ends resiliently engageable with the front ap when in their clamping positions, respectively.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,565,118 12/1925 Stugard 248-101 2,898,173 8/1959 Squire 312-138 3,179,332 4/ 1965 Brighton et al 232-43.2 3,198,426 8/1965 Brighton 232-43.2 3,233,854 2/1966 Morgan 248-99 3,241,750 3/1966 Brighton 232-43.2 3,314,632 4/1967 Freuler 232-43.2 3,322,477 5/1967 Armijo 232-43.2

FRANCIS K. ZUGEL, Primary Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 

